𝐓𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆 ... Nothing to see here. Just some filler text. and a divider too. Wahoo.

have you ever considered that xerxes is only nice to you and nasty to everybody else?

Sᴇɴᴅ ᴍʏ ᴍᴜsᴇ “Hᴀᴠᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ᴇᴠᴇʀ (...)”s. Tʜᴇʏ ᴄᴀɴ ᴏɴʟʏ ʀᴇᴘʟʏ ᴡɪᴛʜ ‘ʏᴇs’ ᴏʀ ‘ɴᴏ’.      ❝ ... No. I haven't. ❞

     ❝ He was kind to me from the beginning, even as complete strangers to each other, so I've never seen reason to believe it was preferential treatment of any kind. ❞ ...      ❝ It's not... Right? ❞

Have you ever broken the law?

Sᴇɴᴅ ᴍʏ ᴍᴜsᴇ “Hᴀᴠᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ᴇᴠᴇʀ (...)”s. Tʜᴇʏ ᴄᴀɴ ᴏɴʟʏ ʀᴇᴘʟʏ ᴡɪᴛʜ ‘ʏᴇs’ ᴏʀ ‘ɴᴏ’.

     ❝ Yes. ❞ Forging character letters to the Ministry of Civil Affairs almost certainly is breaking a few laws. If only Yihai were on better behavior...

Sᴇɴᴅ ᴍʏ ᴍᴜsᴇ “Hᴀᴠᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ᴇᴠᴇʀ (...)”s. Tʜᴇʏ ᴄᴀɴ ᴏɴʟʏ ʀᴇᴘʟʏ ᴡɪᴛʜ ‘ʏᴇs’ ᴏʀ ‘ɴᴏ’.

Bestie senses... Tingling.

     ❝ Mm! I do like what you've done with them. I believe they'll make a solid impression on the people we hand them out to. ❞ He taps the stack from the bottom side against his chest, shaping them back into neatness. A quick pat to the top end and all is in order once more. ❝ Where? Well, I had the idea you'd want to try somewhere with high foot traffic. The 'train' station in Cotes Fantasci first comes to mind. ❞

     ❝ It's not too far, either. Good starting point, I'd say—a larger sample pool means a more effective way of gauging interest. ❞

"Yep! I figured this would be more effective than my initial plan of organizing online."

"Do you like them?" He'd worked hard on them. Normally he works in secrecy, and normally he would've loaded his work up with memes, but he thought he'd do something fun for once. Might as well keep living up to his Ultimate Supreme Leader title! "What places are you thinking of?"

" So we now have glue, paint, colored pencils, stickers, crafting scissors... Oh, some of these have some very fascinating cutting patterns... " As he strides down the hall, there's a headcount taking place of all their supplies for the evening. This isn’t Zhilan’s first 'rodeo', so to speak -- that is to say it was by no means his first trip to the craft store, and just like the year before he couldn't help but go a little overboard. The crafty sights, the crafty smells, it was a compelling pitch to add more to his basket while shopping around. And besides! Is it really a bad thing to be over-prepared for anything? Not a chance! The only downside is that his arms are quite full as he's making his way to the mansion's saloon, but that won't matter once he's able to set all this down.

Speaking of which --

" Here we are. I believe this is everything, it should hopefully be enough to work with. " Bag one goes on a nearby seat, then bag two then three... 'Should hopefully be enough' seems like an understatement.

The scholar straightens, placing his hands on his hips, jolly as ever.

" Well! How are we feeling? " He smiles, glancing to an Oz wearing a teasingly scrunched up nose and a scolding Xerxes Break. " Ready to make some cards? "

@schleckermaul -> @retracedwill

break has half a mind to tell oz to stop eating his carefully prepared pastries. he realizes fairly quickly that he only cares this time around because he put actual effort into getting a small display ready for the rainsworth mansion's little crafting session. to put it into different words, it's as though the brat was eating all the cake before morning tea had even begun.

   (not that you're usually supposed to have cake at morning tea ... that's never stopped him in the past, though.)

' you're like a ravenous beast, ' he quips easily, slapping oz's hand away as he tries to reach for the strawberry parfaits. ' i suppose growing up a noble doesn't exactly teach you patience, but it should have taught you table manners. '

   he's one to talk. swinging himself from the edge of the dining table that has been turned against another table to make for a bigger version, he squeezes oz's cheek once. ' i hope you've been feeding yourself. zhilan usually keeps the fridge stocked ... he should be here any second, so try not to eat it all before we even start. '

@retracedwill > @archaictold / crafting session!

One of the long, large and floppy ears atop his head receives an experimental tug. His frown remains firmly hidden behind his book even as it deepens, but the reason for that is likely to do with the changes his nose has undergone. Sitting halfway between human and hare-like, it has him rather self-conscious. Can't he just be one or the other?

" I don't feel significantly warmer for... this to be the trade off. "

     ❝ Are these... flyers? Or invitations? ❞ They're awfully to the point, Zhilan thinks as he skims over the eye-catching font. Kind of cute, too. Maybe design is a hidden hobby of Ouma's; everyone has those, right?

     ❝ For your organization, I'm guessing? Well, there are few places that come to mind—for handing them out, I mean. ❞ @kindliar — don't worry bro i'll help u hand these out for ur super cool and very secret organization.

     ❝ Mmm... 'Energy drinks'? I am feeling pretty tired, and I still have loads of work to do... ❞ Well, no amount of talking to himself is going to help him decide. Zhilan turns to the customer to his right, who just so happens to have an armful of these colorful cans in tow.

     ❝ Ah, e- excuse me. Is there a flavor you recommend? ❞ As they meet eyes, he's struck with the strangest sense of recognition. It's so sharp and clear that he lets out the smallest of 'oh's, though he's quick to clear his throat and play it off until the reason for the familiarity leaps out at him. ❝ Maybe um, some advice for someone who's never had these before? ❞ @oneeyedpsychic — idk why. but when i looked at u i got the vague sensation of being struck in the face with something cold.

🐝  *  ―  𝑷𝑶𝑺𝑰𝑻𝑰𝑽𝑰𝑻𝒀 𝑻𝑹𝑨𝑰𝑵.  reblog this post and give the person you reblogged it from a small compliment in the tags.  just something sweet and simple that’ll hopefully bring a smile to their face.

🌸 - to place a flower crown on your muse’s head .

misc. actions — meme !

     ❝ So you tuck the stem here, and... ❞ It's a crisp March afternoon, and spring lies just around the bend. As the snow gives way to freshly growing grass, budding flowers are in their company; some of which have already bloomed, much more eager than their peers. Luz had seemed excited for warmer weather, a shared sentiment for the scholar who had spent more than enough time cooped up in his study to satisfy his inner introvert for months to come. It's nice to feel the earth beneath him again. When Luz began plucking blossoms from the grass as he laid out their lunch break for the day, he soon found himself joining her. Even giving some tips that he'd picked up when still a boy in Qingce.      ❝ Then, once you make your way around, you'll— oh! ❞ A finished tiara plops over his olive locks and Zhilan laughs brightly.      ❝ Seems you needed no guidance at all! ❞

     ❝ Here. ❞ Still sitting with his legs neatly crossed and tucked under him, he leans forward and settles a matching one over her head.      ❝ You didn't think this one was just for show, did you? It's for you. Clovers—for good luck. ❞

WHAT ANIMAL FORM WOULD YOUR DAEMON TAKE?

domestic dog.

Your daemon would take the form of a domestic dog! Those who have domestic dog daemons are loyal and service-oriented people who love to be in the presence of others. They offer guidance and protection to those they cherish, though are typically obedient to an individual, cause, or service.

boxer.

Your daemon would take the form of a boxer! You are a fearless but cheerful individual who is devoted to the wellbeing of your loved ones. More so than others with dog daemons, those with boxers are enthusiastic people with a strong heart, but they have deep ideals on what constitutes fairness. They can be extremely protective and devoted friends, and are dependable when someone needs them. When deciding on your daemon's appearance, consider the pattern of your daemon's coat. A darker-colored boxer may indicate someone more independent and headstrong, while a lighter-colored boxer may indicate someone more willing to work with others. Typically the more patterned a coat is, the more flamboyant and intense the individual.

misc action memes

the one sending in the prompt is the one comitting the action . [ add * for role reversal ! ]

🤚 - to offer your muse a hand in dance . 🤕 - to dress your muse’s wound . 🎀 - to braid / brush your muse’s hair . 🗡️ - to point a weapon at your muse . 👑 - to bow down before your muse . ☀️ - to kiss your muse’s hand . 🧋 - to offer your muse a drink . 💎 - to try to steal something from your muse . 🚬 - to light your muse’s cigarette . 🙄 - for my muse to roll their eyes at yours . 💐- to gift a bouquet of flowers . 😴 - to fall asleep on your muse . 🧥 - to warm your muse by wrapping them in a coat / blanket . 🌻 - for my muse to suddenly hold your muse’s hand . ❗️ - for my muse to hold your muse’s chin as a way of getting attention . 🔔  - for my muse to wake yours from a nightmare . 🎁 - for my muse to cup your muse’s face with their hands . ⭐️ - for my muse to stargaze with yours . 💍 - for my muse to tie a piece of jewelry around your muse’s neck or wrist . ❤️ - for my muse to kiss yours on the forehead . 👋 - for my muse to tug at your muse’s sleeve for attention . 🥱 - for my muse to yawn loudly . 🌸 - to place a flower crown on your muse’s head . 🦁 - to snarl / growl at your muse . 🤝 - for my muse to reach out their hand for a handshake . 💥 - to push your muse aside . 🖕 - for my muse to flash their middle finger at your muse . 🌹 - for my muse to blush . 🌼 - to give your muse a piggyback . 🌾 - for my muse to catch yours from falling / fainting . 🟠 - for my muse to pace back and forth . 🤺 - to challenge your muse to a sparring match . 🩹 - to trace your muse’s scars . 👁 - to glare at your muse . ✨ - for your muse to catch mine shirtless . 🎵 - for my muse to catch yours singing in secret . 💧 - for my muse to wipe away your muse’s tears . 🧽 - to wipe / clean blood off your muse . 😢 - for my muse to be caught crying . 💪 - for my muse to flex their muscles . ✊ - for my muse to hit yours . 😶‍🌫️ - to be caught hiding from something . 🧍 - to block your muse’s path . 🌡 - to check your muse’s temperature . 🪦 - to see yours by a grave . 🚶 - to go on a long walk together . ⚡ - to take shelter from a storm together . 👀 - to be caught staring at your muse . 🪴 - for your muse to lean on my muse for support . 🧨 - to pin your muse against the wall . ⚔️ - to fight against enemies together . 🪞 - to catch my muse trying to compose themselves in front of a mirror . 🤫 - for my muse to place a finger to their lips, shushing your muse . 👞 - for my muse to help yours get dressed . 🤗 - to hug your muse . 🩸 - to approach your muse soaked in blood . 🛡️ - for my muse to protect yours from harm . ☃️ - to build a snowman together .

𝐀 𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐀𝐓 his nape, a roll of his neck and Zhilan sighs, shoulders sagging, down at the papers on his desk at Eiden's mention of them. In terms of progress, they look about the same as they did an hour before. Maybe even two, though he can't remember for certain.      ❝ A while, I suppose... ❞ Tense, Eiden says. Hearing affirmation of it only heightens this tension, prompting him to cycle through a myriad of excuses he could use to do this some other time. He doesn't end up finding one, too distracted by the way his stomach flips as he's instructed to sit down. He fidgets, gaze boring tiny, restless holes into his friend's back while he's bent over the takeout bag, each in only a few second increments.      ❝ Eiden, ❞ he says suddenly. Immediately after comes the realization that he hasn't prepared anything to say. His nail presses a deep crescent into the meat of his thumb.      ❝ ... Why are you doing this? Won't I just bring you down? ❞ That's definitely the wrong thing to say. Zhilan flounders but his mouth just keeps going.      ❝ What I mean is, it's quite the burden—taking care of me like this. It's kind of you, but I'd hate to see you waste the effort. ❞

" At your service! "

As promised fairly long time since Eiden's kept his habit of visiting Zhilan from time to time. Knowing from personal experience it makes a good break in the day of a workaholic, he comes with food, treats and tea and today's no exception. The thermo he's got with him is filled with his winter specialty, gingersoup that he's eager to serve.

" Hm? No? Just the usual! "

Meeting Zhilan with a weary face is hardly a rare occurrence but this one stops Eiden for a while. His head tilts as he leans in just slightly to see him better. The delay in greeting didn't go unnoticed either but when he looks it's not just that.

" Sheesh... "

" How long have you been hitting the papers today? " Eiden sighs, " you look a little tense too... "

Eiden makes his way in without questions.

" Time for a break now! I'll get the bowls and spoons. You sit down and make yourself comfortable. "

𝙢𝙚 & 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙬𝙚 𝙜𝙤 𝙩𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙝𝙤����𝙚𝙮 & 𝙩𝙚𝙖 . 🍯🍵

new year, new breaklan art! this time, thoughtfully commissioned by my partner as an absolutely adorable gift for the holidays. i've been meaning to share it for some time now, but with my activity as it is and my personal life in a bit of a whirlwind i've unintentionally held it captive in my drafts. however, with breaklan on my mind so much and given the sheer amount of serotonin this piece provides me, there's no way i was going to continue hording it to myself. cmon now.. zhilan's face? break's lipstick stain?? THE MATCHING STRAWBERRY AND CABBAGE EARRINGS??? i'll die. the cuteness aggression this gives me is unreal. UNREAL, i tell u! 😭 credit goes to the lovely mariabirigui! thank you so much!

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐎𝐈𝐍𝐓 𝐎𝐅 his spear sinks sharply into the earth with finality. With a satisfied sigh of exertion, Zhilan swipes the thin layer of sweat collecting at his jawline using the back of his hand and toes the ground where Dendro energy freshly buzzes. The twist of his brow is the mulling sort; he's had little practice as of late, but the connection to his Vision remains strong nevertheless. A part of him had considered otherwise, deciding to test it to settle what little doubt resided in the back of his mind. And maybe for the exhilaration of it, too. Though the Gods had blessed him some time ago, the feeling of tapping into one's elemental power was hard to forget. No other rush truly compared. The familiar taste is enough to quench the thirst on its own. He decides he should head back before the sun drifts too low... well, after a small breather first. He's about to pluck his spear from the soil when someone's commentary makes him realize he's had an audience. From behind his large, round spectacles, his gaze meets a man with a stern face and a wooden sword in a sheath. The interest in his technique must be to do with that.      ❝ Oh... Thank you! I didn't know anyone was watching. ❞ A small and dismissive wave of his hands follows. ❝ Not that I mind or anything. The praise is quite nice to hear. ❞ A crunch, shwick!, and the spear is unearthed and turned in hand; Zhilan rests his weight on it curiously.

     ❝ I don't think I've heard the term 'Symbology' before, though. I'm from Liyue—our power comes from Visions. This, right here. ❞ The jewel-like face of the pendant around his neck clicks lightly under the explanatory tap of his fingernail. ❝ Is Symbology an equivalent power from your world? ❞

   you'd be surprised how easy it is to go unnoticed if you only know when to be quiet. the person in front of him looks to be a scholar from appearance alone, but dias knows not to let himself be fooled by looks. (and there are a lot of examples he could think of, but what shines through is the small scientist who'd made a weapon so strong in such a short amount of time.)

   so it's a scholar, but he wields a polearm. and as he trains, the display of power isn't quite unfamiliar ... so much so that dias speaks up from his corner, arms crossed in front of his chest, when the other seems too out of breath to continue for now.

   ' an impressive display of symbology. where do you hail from, stranger? '

@archaictold / sc